Man admits role in slaying of NJIT student

One of two cousins accused of killing a New Jersey Institute of Technology student who was working as an overnight attendant at a gas station in Orange pleaded guilty today to aggravated manslaughter and is looking at a prison sentence of 22 years.

Anthony Clifton, 19, of Irvington, did not say he beat Anant Kaura at a Delta station on North Day Street, but he did acknowledge rifling through the victim's pockets and taking his wallet after Kaura and his cousin, Shaun Clifton-Short, began fighting on Jan. 31.

Police say the 22-year-old Kaura, who emigrated from India in December, was beaten to death with a hammer. Clifton admitted kicking the victim in the ribs during the altercation and said the hammer was already on the premises.

He also told Superior Court Judge Joseph Cassini III in Newark that he and his cousin went to the gas station to get change, not to rob anyone. Prosecutors say they wanted the change for bus fare.

Clifton initially pleaded not guilty to the accusation but then withdrew the plea and admitted his guilt after the murder count was amended to the less serious offense of aggravated manslaughter.